LAST week, I was in India, that land rich with ancient and mystical
sciences. Mumbai, where I was, is the capital of Maharashtra state and the city
for Vasthu Sastra.

The mansions and bungalows in Malabar Hill where the Bollywood movie stars
live are carefully built to incorporate the science of harmonious dwelling.
Advertisements of houses for sale or rent in major dailies like The Times
of India and Hindustan Times usually carry a footnote that
properties are Vasthu-compliant – they have to, otherwise, say real estate
agents, no one would buy or rent anything!

Besides covering a maritime conference in Mumbai, I wanted to enhance my
techniques on meditation.

In India, many people meditate to seek solutions to all kinds of illnesses
and problems because they believe that human beings are born with a great
capacity for self-healing.

Meditation can help reduce allergies, anxiety, backache, depression,
headaches (including migraines) and it can help alleviate sexual dysfunction.

Indeed, research has revealed that meditation seems to boost health in
general. Studies have shown that the meditative state is more restful than
sleep even.

And that is the key point: Our minds are usually working at full speed
because of work pressure, the rush to meet deadlines, targets, visions – all
in the name of material gain. Meditation, however, can calm the mind. It aims
to unite the mind in a single thought and free it of anxiety.

If you want to take up meditation, you must prepare mentally and physically
so that your body, mind and spirit are in harmony. This is because meditation
requires you to be free from the pressures of the mind and the desires of the
body.

Why meditate, what are its benefits?

Meditation can connect one with universal energies and help one attain moksha
(liberation).

By practising regular meditation, one attains self-realisation and divine
manifestation in one’s own heart.

One can not only heal oneself but also energise the entire world if one is
united in consciousness with other meditators.

Meditation alleviates stress and strain and bestows peace, tranquillity and
bliss. It also develops concentration, health and self-confidence.

The highlight of any meditative experience is if one experiences a white
light – this indicates the highest vibration of energy. This light
translates as love, and when an individual experiences this status, he or she
is filling up with love.

How to meditate?

According to Vasthu Sastra, the auspicious location for meditation is the
north-east, the spiritual quadrant. Once you have located this direction, sit
with the legs comfortably folded and eyes closed for several minutes.

Some people may require a tutor, or a guru, to guide them, but, in most
cases, any individual can connect with the energy of the universe without any
help.

Meditation is the art of focusing the mind upon a chosen thought to remove
impurities. Some people do this by chanting mantras, while others do it by
consciously concentrating on one thought, or on silence.

Meditation is best done after a shower in the morning or in the evening, or
at sunrise or sunset. Ideally, you should meditate daily. The meditative state
allows nerves and tired muscles to relax, and will calm heart rates and ease
blood pressure. It’s so restful that you’ll want to do it daily!

Vasthu talk

The columnist will give a talk on how to arrange a house according to
Vasthu Sastra principles in order to attain health, wealth, happiness and
peace of mind on Oct 16 at 6.30pm at the Cinta Sayang Golf Resort in Sungai
Petani, Kedah. Admission is by contribution of RM10 to the Sungai Petani
Rotary Club. To register, contact Raja at 016-410 5662.

Another talk will be held on Oct 22 at 7pm at Bon Ton Restaurant (No. 4,
Jalan Ceylon) in Kuala Lumpur. Admission is by contribution of RM10 to the
Guru Dharma Society. To register, contact Madeline Kuan at 016-384 8860.

Seven steps to meditation

1. Find a quiet spot.

2. Relax and sit comfortably; lie down if you want to.

3. Play soft, relaxing music or chant a mantra.

4. Close your eyes, drop your shoulders.

5. Breathe slowly and deeply, four or five times.

6. Think of something to focus on. Do not think of worldly matters. If your
mind wanders, return to your focus.

7. Sit still for about 10 to 20 minutes, inhaling and exhaling gently and
regularly.

T. Selva, The Star’s Maritime Editor, has spent years researching this
ancient Indian science of construction, better known as ‘Indian feng shui’.
He is a student of 7th generation Vasthu Sastra Master Yuvaraj Sowma from
Chennai, India. He can be contacted at tselvas@thestar.com.my.